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Analyzing Anthrax

Recent events have propelled anthrax into the nation's headlines. But don't panic -- there are some important facts you should know about the disease, say Tufts experts.

Boston [10.16.01] Suddenly, anthrax is the topic of discussions in offices, classrooms and across breakfast tables around the country. Pharmacies are selling out of the drugs used to treat it and cautious Americans are on the lookout for suspicious mail and packages. But there is no reason to panic, say Tufts experts, who say there are some important facts you should know about the disease.

Anthrax spores, which cause the disease, have one of two origins -- some strains are naturally occurring, and others are manufactured. But both are extremely rare, says Dr. David Stone -- an expert on infectious diseases at Tufts' School of Medicine.

"This is not bacteria you can get in a supply house," he told the Boston Herald. "It's very highly regulated."

According to the Herald, federal law prohibits the manufacture of the spores and only one lab still stores the virus.

"The only facility known in the U.S. to store anthrax spores is the National Veterinary Services Lab in Ames, Iowa," reported the Herald.

The naturally-occurring anthrax spores are also difficult to locate.

While it is possible to dig up spores from "infected" soil, Tufts' Dr. George Saperstein says the bacteria doesn't survive well in the northeast.

"We don't ordinarily see anthrax in New England," the professor from Tufts' School of Veterinary Medicine told the Herald. "I've never seen a case here."